Gage County law enforcement union takes contract dispute to state board

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A labor union contract dispute is brewing in Gage County.

On Wednesday, the Gage County Board voted to approve an agreement with Lodge 45 of the Fraternal Order of Police, which represents deputies and correctional officers in the county.

But the union has turned that offer down and is asking the state labor board to intervene in the dispute.

The county’s final offer to the union included wage increases of 5.88% to 8.82%.

The board said that is more than double the rate of inflation.

But the union was seeking wage increases ranging from 9.68% to 17.86%.

The county board said the union’s desired contract would have increased the county’s spending by about $250,000.

“What do we cut to fit that?” the county asked in a statement. “Is it 4 less cars? Do we cut services and employees in other areas? Is it less equipment? Or, do we go to the taxpayers for more?”

The union filed a petition with the Nebraska Commision of Industrial Relations, asking it to determine the wages and benefits for its members.

The filing says the contract was supposed to take effect on July 1, but the parties have not been able to reach an agreement.